Chicago Bears Smart to Part Ways with Defensive Tackle Andre Fluellen

By Michael Terrill

Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports

The Chicago Bears cut ties with veteran defensive tackle Andre Fluellen on Monday. Even though Fluellen did not spend much time in Chicago, the Bears made the right move to part ways with the five-year player.

Fluellen recorded 51 total tackles, 2.5 sacks, one forced fumble and one defended pass in 54 career games (six starts) with the Detroit Lions. The former third round pick in the 2008 NFL Draft out of Florida State has never truly been able to solidify himself at the professional level. The Lions always had high hopes for him to become a difference maker on the defensive line, but unfortunately, he was never able to take his game to the next level.

The 28-year-old was signed by Chicago on April 9, 2013 in an attempt to bolster the depth of the defensive line. However, after selecting defensive end Cornelius Washington in the sixth round of the 2013 NFL Draft, along with making other offseason acquisitions, the Bears still have more than enough defensive linemen to choose from for their 53-man roster. In fact, Chicago still has seven defensive tackles after cutting Fluellen.

There is a good chance some other team will pick up Fluellen for the summer, but it is more than likely that he will be sitting at home once the regular season begins in September. The fact is the Georgia native has not shown enough in his professional career for some general manager to take a legitimate chance on him. With that being said, Fluellen’s back is clearly up against the wall. There is the possibility he will break out the best training camp of his life if given one more opportunity with a new team.